Betty and Charles Barker Known affectionately simply as “Betty” to her wide circle of devoted friends and family, Elizabeth Mary Gardiner Barker of South Deerfield, who passed away peacefully on Jan. 25, 2021 at the age of 93, was “modest but mighty,” a local philanthropist who quietly shared her good fortune with countless organizations doing the work she believed in; and with the many individuals she met along the way who needed a helping hand. A passionate believer in the importance of community, Betty was particularly devoted to the work of Tilton Library, Dakin Humane Society, Franklin Land Trust, Pioneer Valley Hospice, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and the Greenfield Community College Foundation, in support of the Nursing and Community Access Programs. She gave generous support, including countless volunteer hours, to numerous Franklin County organizations including the Girl Scouts, Board of Organized Work at Franklin Medical Center, and Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.